A controlled study of relative periodontal attachment loss in people with HIV infection.

Objective: To compare the progression of periodontal destruction in people with and without HIV.

Method: Relative attachment loss on 6 index teeth was compared between 19 people with HIV and 17 people without HIV infection over 12 and 18 month follow ups.

Results: The proportions of sites with 1, 2 or 3 mm of relative attachment loss were similar in the study and control groups. Mean maximum relative attachment loss was similar in both groups after 12 months but greater in the study group after 18 months.

Conclusions: The data are not compelling evidence of greater periodontal destruction associated with HIV infection. Large scale cohort studies or meta-analyses would be more conclusive.